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View synonyms for

formerly

[ fawr-mer-lee ]

adverb

  1. in time past; in an earlier period or age; previously:

    a custom formerly observed.

  2. Obsolete. in time just past; just now.


formerly

/ ˈɔːəɪ /

adverb

  1. at or in a former time; in the past
  2. obsolete.
    in the immediate past; just now
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of formerly1

First recorded in 1580–90; former 1 + -ly
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Compare Meanings

How does formerly compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Sade reveals the utopia she and her girlfriend, along with other fellow inmates, have been imagining, a collective portrait of a peaceful haven for “free formerly incarcerated Black girls.”

From

The corporation announced the review in the wake of revelations about Edwards, formerly its most senior news presenter, who committed offences involving child abuse images.

From

For example, Vu said official statements now have fewer references to a “puppet government” in what was formerly South Vietnam, a term used to delegitimize its former adversary and denounce America’s involvement in the war.

From

If you can take good pictures of something, you can convey a lot of these characteristics that formerly would have just been illustrated or more often described using taxonomic terminology.

From

ORR has rescinded its policy of not sharing information on sponsors with immigration agencies and law enforcement, and a wave of wellness checks on formerly unaccompanied minors has made many families skittish.

From

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formerform factor